Delayed power projects to cost exchequer Rs 4,200 cr

Three power projects crucial for the state’s self-sufficiency in the electricity sector are not only delayed by over 24 months, but will also burden the state

exchequer with more than `4,200 crore due to cost escalation. All these projects are handled by the state energy department.According to the Union power ministry, the 250MW capacity unit-4 of the Chabra Super Thermal Power Plant (STTP) has been running 32 months late with a

cost escalation of `833 crore, while the 600MW units 1 and 2 of the Kalisindh STTP are running late by 31 and 28 months. The total escalation cost of Kalisindh

STTP is a whooping `3,123 crore, as the cost of the plants have almost doubled in last 32 months. The 50MW gas-based Ramgarh Project has already been

delayed by 29 months with the project cost increasing by `250 crore. “Three power projects are under construction in Rajasthan in the state sector and are behind their prescribed schedule of completion by 2-3 years. The

anticipated cost escalation in respect of these three projects is `4,206 crore. The all India scenario is worrisome as presently a number of projects are behind

schedule,” Union minister of state for power Jyotiraditya Scindia told Rajya Sabha on February 11.Energy minister Gajendra Khimsar could not be contacted. However, the chairman and managing director of the Rajasthan Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited

(RVUNL) NM Mathur accepted that there is huge delay in completion of these projects. “Yes, there is a delay in these projects but we will complete these three projects by July this year. This will add around 1,500 MW to the generation capacity,

making Rajasthan an energy sufficient state. The cost escalation in these projects also includes various other factors, including cost of putting railways line and

making dams for water supply, which are taken care by the concerned departments,” Mathur said.